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Huli Huli Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 97 reviews

Huli Huli Chicken is a classic Hawaiian grilled chicken dish marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices. This tender and flavorful chicken is grilled to perfection, basted with its vibrant marinade, and served over steamed white rice, making it a delightful tropical meal perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless

Marinade

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Serving

  • 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)
  • Grilled pineapple slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper until fully combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper searing and cooking of the chicken.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and baste it with the reserved marinade. Continue grilling for another 6 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Slice the chicken and serve it over cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and add grilled pineapple slices if desired for an extra Hawaiian touch.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • Grilled pineapple slices add a sweet, smoky complement to the chicken.
  • Can be made with chicken thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner protein.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop.

Keywords: Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian chicken recipe, grilled chicken, pineapple marinade, summer grilling